Saint Ignatius College - Geelong Catholic Colleges

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From the Principal

Dear Saint Ignatius College Community members,

Welcome back to the final school term for 2023. I hope all students have had an enjoyable and restful break (with some revision and preparation for the new term) and are looking forward to finishing the year off on an excellent note.

The Interim-semester Two Reports and follow-up Parent/Student/Teacher meetings held during the second last week of term three will have helped identify and affirm good progress to date, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss areas of concern and helped set some directions for a productive term ahead.

Ms Elana Cole (Director of Community Engagement & Development) reported that a large number of our students and some students from other schools participated in the VCE Revision Lectures held at our College in the first week of the holidays. This is the second year we have provided this opportunity for our students to prepare themselves for their forthcoming examinations better.

The Year 12 VCE students sat their practice exams during the second week of the holidays. Senior Certificate Coordinator Ms Andrea Dart reported that she was very pleased that most students attended and the way these students approached this very important assessment preparation.

College Production of “Anastasia”

We certainly finished Term Three on a high note with the excellent performances of the College’s production of “Anastasia” at the Geelong Arts Centre. I am sure I speak on behalf of our school community in saying how proud I am of our students. Well done!

There were over seventy students involved in various roles, including actors, singers, and stagehands. They performed brilliantly and entertained the audience very well, judging by the audiences’ reactions and the amount of positive and affirming feedback we received.

I thank the many staff and volunteers, including the crew, backstage helpers, hair and make-up and musicians who supported our students in this endeavour. I also acknowledge the Geelong Arts Centre and its staff for their work and support. And the music was sensational. I thank and congratulate the members of the orchestra.

While there were many very impressive individual performances on stage, it was the teamwork and the many different teams behind the scenes that combined to bring the shows to fruition that underpinned the success of the shows. We know that there were many, many months of preparation, and this time was a very important part of the journey. The students had the opportunity to develop many skills, qualities and friendships. Undoubtedly there have been challenges, and I am sure there has been a lot of fun along the way.

Obviously, the performances would not have been possible without the generous, talented and enthusiastic work of many of my colleagues. Over the last year, I have witnessed their encouragement, care, guidance, coaching skills and role modelling to lead our students toward their performance of this musical. Many staff have been involved in one way or another, and I thank them all. However, I would like to acknowledge the key people in recognition of their contribution:

Michael Wilding - Musical Director

Linda Pape - Assistant Musical Director

Elise Meehan - Costume Coordinator

Attel Martschinke - Production Manager

Samantha Windmill - Assistant Producer

Tania Grant – Co-Vocal Director

Dean Robinson - Choreographer

Carly Mitchell, Jeremy Ives, Rhea Green - Co-Directors

Marina Brown - Producer and Co-Vocal Director

At Saint Ignatius we value our extra-curricular programs and in particular, the performing arts as we strive to be better and become well-rounded people.

Congratulations to all involved in the production!

Final week for Year 12s

All parents/carers of Year 12 students will receive a letter from me early next week to communicate some of our expectations and hopes and the plans in place at this stage to help facilitate a positive and smooth finish. (Extra copies are available from our office.) It is obviously very important that the Year 12s remain as focused as possible on their studies right through to the last exam. A lot depends on their ability to apply themselves well during this time. I have made our expectations about a positive finish by the senior students on their ‘last day,’ Tuesday 17th October very clear.

Normal timetabled classes for the Year 12 students will cease on Monday 16th October 2023. The next day, Tuesday 17th October, will be the Yr 12 ‘Celebration Day.’ The VCE written exam period starts on Tuesday 24th October 2023 with the English exam (for Languages Oral, Drama & Music Performance exam times please check with the subject teacher, some of these examinations may be held earlier than the English exam.)

After Tuesday 17th October 2023, Year 12 teachers will be available during normal class time and by appointment out of class time, within the school day, until the exam for their particular subject. Teachers will discuss these arrangements with their students.

A number of special activities are planned over the “last days” to help make this a special and memorable time for the students and parents. In particular, I remind parents of Year 12 students and friends of the College about the Year 12 Valete Mass and Graduation at the College Multipurpose Centre on Monday 16th October 2023 (5:00 pm) and the Full School Assembly on the same day (Monday 16th October). Parents are most welcome to attend the assembly. Please report to the office at 1:15 pm for a 1:30 pm start.) It is expected that all Yr 12 students and their families will attend the special Mass on the 16th October and you would be most welcome to attend the assembly.

I wish our Year 12 students and their families a special and memorable time during the last phase of their secondary school journey.

Next Full School Assembly

All Parents are warmly invited to attend this term’s assembly on Monday 16th October 2023. I ask you to please report to the office at 1:15 pm so you can be allocated a seat. The main focus of the assembly will be, as in past years, the school’s farewell to the Year 12 students.

Wednesday 25th October 2023 – normal classes

Please note that this day is not a holiday for our students – classes will run as normal. As you are aware, this is the day of the annual “Geelong Cup.” Some schools are taking this day as a holiday; we are not, as we take Melbourne Cup day instead (together with the day before.)

As some schools are taking the Geelong Cup off, there was a question over what school buses will run on this day. The Region’s School Bus Coordinator has informed our Bus Coordinator that buses will run on this day for our students. I would suggest that students should check with their driver just prior to the day, particularly those on buses that carry students from other schools, in case there are any special arrangements being made due to less students travelling on this day.

Some important dates on the College Calendar

Staff Professional Learning Day Friday 20th October. No classes will be conducted on this day.
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday Tuesday 7th November, and no classes are to be conducted on Monday 6th November; however, there will be some VCE Exams conducted at school on November 6.
Mosaic Awards Ceremony Costa Hall Thursday 16th November (6.30 pm)
Staff Professional Practice Time Day for teachers on Friday 8th December. No classes will be conducted on this day
The final day for classes for Yr. 7-11 is on December 7th.
Year 12 Celebrations:
- Monday 16th October - Final day of scheduled classes
- Monday 16th October – Farewell Assembly, periods 5 & 6
- Monday 16th October – Valete Mass & Graduation Ceremony at the College (5 pm to 7:30 pm)
- Tuesday 17th October – Year 12 Celebration Day
- Tuesday 24th October – Unit 4 Exams begin
- Wednesday 15th November – Unit 4 Exams finish
- Friday 24th November – Valedictory Dinner at GMHBA Stadium (6 pm)

Best wishes to everyone for a productive and enjoyable final term for 2023.

Michael Exton

Principal

Senior Centre Update

Save the date - Year 12 Celebrations

Tournament of Minds 2023

Tournament of Minds 2023

This year Saint Ignatius College entered two teams into the annual Tournament of Minds Challenge - Team ‘Azure,’ an Arts team and Team ’Set in Stone’, a Language and Literature Team.

Both teams consisted of amazingly creative students from years 7 to 9 who really wanted to stretch their imaginations and creativity.

The teams worked at lunchtimes this term to imagine solutions to creative problems like:

‘suggest and design a statue that represents a literary character to display in a particular global location that would draw visitors to that location and increase tourism ‘ and
‘develop a 3D immersive art installation to represent one modern or contemporary artist and a piece of their work. The exhibition will travel the world so it needs to be portable and easy to assemble’.

Our teams presented their design challenges at a Western Regional showcase at Deakin University on Sunday 27th August. Both teams did a fantastic job of presenting to a panel of three judges and an audience of parents and students.

In addition to the prepared challenge the teams also participated in a spontaneous challenge for which they received very positive feedback from the judges.

Whilst our teams did not win the competition, the Language and Literacy team did receive an ‘Honours’ award for coming second place in their category and both teams represented themselves and our College proudly on the day.

Some of the judges’ comments included:

‘Congratulations on your performance, all team members played important roles in your entertaining presentation which was well prepared. Your statue was creatively made, enhancing the environmental theme. Great work!’

‘Congratulations on a creative performance. An effective use of soundscape showing clear connection to your artists' international appeal. A thoughtful interpretation of the Banksy environment. Overall, well done!’

Congratulations to all team members:

Georgia Van Hamond

Jasmine Haliwell

Olivia Agustsson

Liliana O’Meara

Mietta Corby

Jeeann Tinij

Lily Games

Ash Pitts

Hannah Schoenmakers

Leah McCurry

Ivy Winchester

Maisie-Rae Walker

Mrs Sadler

Tournament of Minds Mentor 2023

Mullets for Mental Health

A student with a mullet walks into a classroom. The teacher says “The party’s at the back”

On September 15th, Saint Ignatius College celebrated the students and staff of our College as they sported a mullet for a very noble cause; mullets for mental health. Our students embarked on a mission to raise funds of $400 for the Black Dog Institute, an institute that serves as a crucible for mental health research. Their aspirations extend far beyond the realms of fashion, as they strive to forge a mentally healthier world for all, one mullet at a time.

Research shows that suicide is currently the leading cause of death in males aged 18-24. It is estimated that 60% of people will not seek help for mental health conditions.

The efforts students, staff and parents make to raise funds for The Black Dog Institute will:

Spark free workshops and webinars to educate folks on spotting signs of everyday mental health issues.
Back research to delve into why those at risk of suicide might hesitate to seek help, and bankroll strategies to reach and aid them.
Pave the way for testing new tech to assist individuals in handling persistent thoughts of self-harm.

If you would like to donate to this cause, please use the link below.

https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/charlottepunton/saint-ignatius-college-geelong---mullet-for-mental-health

We are proud of our students and their efforts to promote mental well-being, and we encourage them to carry these positive actions into their future endeavours.

A special thanks to our own Darcy Bassett, and to the talented hairdresser Angelina Zaraie from the Godmothers Barber shop who generously volunteered her skills and time to make it all possible (as shown below).

From the Student Wellbeing Team – Liv, Sarah, Leanne, Claire, and Michael

Young People and E-cigarettes

Young People and E-cigarettes

In recent years, vaping has become a growing concern among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. E-cigarettes, more commonly known as 'vapes,' are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid into aerosols, which are then inhaled. While marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, vaping comes with its own set of risks, especially for teenagers. In this newsletter item, we will explore what vapes are, the dangers associated with them, why teenagers are drawn to vaping, and how to approach a conversation with your teenager about this issue.

What are Vapes?

E-cigarettes, or vapes, operate by heating a liquid into aerosols. These devices can contain up to 200 dangerous chemicals, including substances found in weed killer and paint stripper. When inhaled, these chemicals can pose significant health risks. Vapes come in various colours and flavours, some of which are designed to appeal to young people. In Australia, it is illegal to buy and sell e-cigarettes with nicotine without a doctor's prescription, but there is a growing concern about the sale of 'non-nicotine' e-cigarettes, which often contain nicotine regardless of their labelling, and other harmful chemicals.

What are the Dangers?

Vaping poses serious health risks for teenagers. The aerosols produced by vaping devices contain toxic and corrosive chemicals that can become deeply lodged in the lungs. This can lead to lung injuries, seizures, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and, in rare cases, even death. What's particularly concerning is that a single disposable e-cigarette can contain as much nicotine as 50 traditional cigarettes and is often available at a low cost. Nicotine is highly addictive and can hinder the brain development of young people. Additionally, vaping has been linked to mental health issues, increasing the risk of mood and anxiety disorders and worsening symptoms of depression.

Why Do Teenagers Vape?

Understanding why teenagers are drawn to vaping is crucial. Peer pressure, curiosity, and the perception that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking are some common reasons. The appealing flavours and discreet designs of vaping devices, often disguised as everyday items like pens, lip gloss, or USB sticks, make them attractive and easy to hide.

How to Talk to My Teenager about Vaping

Addressing the issue of vaping with your teenager can be challenging, but it's essential to have open and informed conversations. VIcHealth offers the following tips on how to approach this topic:

1. Listen, Don't Lecture.
Approach the conversation calmly and in an informal setting. Ask open-ended questions and listen to what your teenager has to say. Avoid lecturing or being judgmental.
2. Know the Facts.
Familiarise yourself with the facts about vaping so you can have an informed conversation. Check online resources provided by organisations like Quit and VicHealth, which offer valuable information for parents and caregivers.
3. Be Real and Respectful.
Be honest with your teen, focusing on your care and concern for their health. Avoid exaggeration and stick to the evidence. Respect their privacy and don't push them to discuss areas they're uncomfortable with. Building trust is essential for open communication.
4. Support Quitting.
It's crucial to acknowledge that if your child has already begun vaping, they might have developed a dependence, which can make quitting a challenging endeavour. In such cases, they will require significant support. Consider reaching out to other parents of teenagers for support and guidance. Sharing experiences and strategies can be invaluable during this time.
You can also seek assistance by contacting Quitline at 13 7848 for free advice.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and together, we can help our teens make healthier choices.

Source: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov....

By the Student Wellbeing Team

Secondary School Vaccinations catch-up

If your child has missed out on their school-based vaccinations, it’s not too late to catch up!

Secondary school immunisations are provided free to students in Year 7 and Year 10.

Catch up for secondary school immunisations is free up to 19 years of age.

Barwon Health immunisation service will offer catch-up school immunisation sessions at different venues around Geelong during the month of October additional to our regular weekly sessions.

OCTOBER IS SCHOOL IMMUNISATION CATCH UP MONTH

Belmont Vaccination Center-1-17 Reynolds Rd, Belmont - Wednesday's , Fridays and Saturday morning (18th, 20th & 21st October) booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CLQPX

Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre (BASC) - Ocean Grove- Thursday 19th October, 3.30-6.30 pm, booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CLQNU

Barwon Health North – Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th October, 3.30-6.30 pm booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CLQIE

Armstrong Creek East Community Hub – 3.30-6.30 pm booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CLQSB

Any Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 age students up to 19 years of age, who have missed their immunisations at school can catch up via Barwon health immunisation service or via their GP.

Outside of these extra sessions, bookings available to our regular weekly sessions via this link https://bit.ly/BHImmunisation

To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account.

If your child is over 14, they will need to access their immunisation history statement themselves through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.

Learn more about school-based vaccinations and why they’re important:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools